Surrendering to Christ is like giving the Keys to Chip & Jo
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? … Your restoration is what we pray for. ”
Of course! You knew I was thinking of Chip and Jo as I wrote about the Carpenter Renovating our Home for you this weekend! Maybe that’s why our country has fallen in love with them. They are a picture of the Lord and His deliverance in our lives.
Chip may appear to be throwing around the hammer willy nilly, but he has a plan of what to demo and what not to demo. (Mostly, right?) He just does it with gusto, so people with less experience think we can just run in crazy and fight it all at once or without the proper tools (i.e. armor of God, faith, prayer, submission).
And Joanna doesn’t just buy everything she sees to fill up a home. She thinks it through. Prays about it. Chooses what will bring life. Design is just as much about what you choose as what you don’t choose.
Have you noticed that people just hand over the keys and say, “I know you will make it beautiful. Just do your stuff.” People completely let go of control and they don’t worry while they wait. They surrender their entire homes!
How much more capable is the Living God, the Author of Your Faith, the Redeemer? Look at the good works He has already done and strengthen your confidence in Him!
Have you seen what the Lord can do with a grateful heart to dwell in??
Have you seen what God can do with a heart that welcomes him with open arms of hospitality?
Have you seen how gorgeous He makes the hearts of people who completely surrender to Him?
THAT my friends is how we need to approach the Lord. Here I am. I give you free access to EVERYTHING in me, everything I own… Just do Your stuff. I trust you to tear down whatever you need to, kick it out, rearrange. I surrender it all because I know what You can do with some dirt in Your Hands. I know what you can do with a couple fish or an empty jar! You are able and good. I surrender! I trust you to fill me up and make me your beautiful, whole, spotless Bride.
Father God,
Help me trust You more and more today. I pray for RENOVATION in my heart today (2 Corinthians 13:9). I trust You to tear down whatever you need to, kick it out, rearrange. I surrender it all because I know what You can do with just Your Breath and some dirt in Your Hands. I know what You can do with a couple fish or an empty jar! You are able and good. I surrender! I trust You to fill me up and make me Your beautiful, whole, spotless Bride. Have your way in me. Just do what You do best, my Master Carpenter and Glorious Craftsman.
Encourage yourself and others in the Lord today friends. I invite you to share below something God has renovated in your heart. Give Him the glory and allow this to minister to you first, as you remember and share your testimony. He is ever faithful. You can trust Him when you step out and share His goodness in your lives.
So, what is a way you have seen God already do some renovating in your heart, Christ’s home?
